From the swing state of Iowa, delegate Mary Ann Spicer is thrilled to be in New York for the first time. "New York is so exciting; it never sleeps," she says. She explains President Bush is compassionate and will make New York safer.
Delegates and visitors pass through the grand ol' entrance of the Republican National Convention, August 30, 2004.
Volunteers put the finishing touches on the floor before delegates arrive on the first night of the convention, August 30, 2004.
From the key swing state of Ohio, Eric Schumacher has a love for politics and cites "homeland security and health care" as the top two issues of concern to him. On his first trip to New York, he had a lot of great New York pizza. August 30, 2004.
Convention organizers conduct sound checks one hour before delegates begin to arrive on the plush red carpeted floor of Madison Square Garden, August 30, 2004.
A sprited South Dakota delegate shows his true Republican colors with nostalgic pins. He walks the floor of the national convention, August 30, 2004.
From a bird's eye view of the convention, guests are seen swarming the floor of Madison Square Garden, August 30, 2004.
Two hours before the convention is underway, press and delegates have a close-up view of the podium from the soon-to-be jam packed floor, August 30, 2004.
California delegate Araceli Es. C. Carbonell prefers President Bush for his Christian family values. Having been in Iraq and neighboring countries, she finds them barbaric and believes that Democratic leaders too lenient in the war on terror.
Excitement sweeps the floor as the countdown begins to the first night of the Republican National Convention in New York, August 30, 2004.
Hispanic Florida delegate, Nancy Acevedo, supports President Bush for his "family-oriented, small government and less taxes" priniciples, upon which she was raised. She enjoys a front section seat at the convention in Madison Square Garden August 30, 2004.
Republicans are awash in themes of courage on the opening night at the national convention. Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Senator John McCain are the main speakers August 30, 2004.
Guests anxiously kick off the opening night of the Republican National Convention. As the lights of Madison Square Garden welcome delegates, many feel at home with a week of wining, dining and New York festivities, August 30, 2004